Hancock to distribute capital gains early

John Hancock Funds will distribute capital gains from nine of its equity funds in November instead of December in order to help shareholders minimize their taxes.

Anne Hodsdon, president and chief operating officer of John Hancock Advisers, said in a statement that the early distribution would allow shareholders to make portfolio changes to alleviate their tax burdens. "Paying these gains early gives shareholders the upper hand when it comes to their year-end tax planning," she said.